Leeds teenage thug in jail for stabbing a rival in stomach

Even Weolmichael.

A TEENAGE thug has been jailed for more than seven years after stabbing a rival in the stomach during a row over a girl.

Victim Raphael James almost died after losing four pints of blood in the attack at the house in Harehills, Leeds.

He was also left scarred for life and suffered damage to his liver as a result of the stab wound delivered by Even Weolmichael, 19.

Leeds Crown Court heard the attack took place after he made a pass at Mr James’s partner at a house party on Kitchener Avenue. Anna Wilkinson, prosecuting, said Weolmichael arrived at the party with a girl and people began drinking around teatime.

Later he approached Mr James’s girlfriend upstairs and said: “I want you to be my girl. I can give you what you want.”

The woman rejected his advances and told Mr James what had happened. The pair argued and Mr James hit Weolmichael. The teenager then produced the weapon, which he had been carrying, and stabbed Mr James.

An ambulance was called and Mr James had to undergo surgery after suffering life threatening injuries. Weolmichael, of Blenheim View, Meanwood, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent.

The court heard he has a history of committing violent offences including robbery.

Richard Reed, mitigating, said his client accepted he faced a lengthy prison sentence. He said Weolmichael often carried a knife for protection as he was small and intimidated by people who were bigger than him. Weolmichael was sent to a young offenders’ institution for seven and a half years. Judge Christopher Batty said: “You carry a knife and you think it is a perfectly normal, sensible thing to do. The problem of having a knife is if it is there when conflict arises, there is a temptation to use it and from there is can become a potentially murderous situation.”